CIGNA Ready to Offer Swine Flu Assistance to Customers Worldwide

PHILADELPHIA. - CIGNA is ready to help ease customers’ concerns and assist employers and individuals worldwide regarding outbreaks of swine flu in the United States and throughout several countries.

“The health and safety of the people we serve is of primary importance to CIGNA. We will continue to follow the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as local guidelines in impacted areas of the United States and abroad,” said Dr. Jeffrey Kang, CIGNA’s chief medical officer. “CIGNA’s emergency response team is closely following the outbreak of swine flu and preparing for any potential surge in human infections, including facilitating access to appropriate medical services across our far-reaching global health care network.”

Medically necessary services for the diagnosis and treatment of swine flu will be covered in accordance with the terms of customers’ applicable benefit plans. Individuals traveling outside their local service area or traveling outside the United States who become ill should seek treatment immediately. Emergency or urgent care services are covered at the in-network benefit level regardless of where the care is received. Individuals with CIGNA medical benefits also can call the CIGNA HealthCare 24-Hour Health Information Line SM whenever health information or assistance is needed. The telephone number is printed on the individual’s medical plan ID card.

For multi-national employers and expatriates stationed around the globe, CIGNA covers Tamiflu and Relenza. Employer resources include a frequently asked questions reference that provides information regarding precautions and available resources available at www.CIGNAenvoy.com. Additionally, CIGNA’s online podcast library for multi-national employers, accessible at http://cignaexpats.com/employer_resources/podcast.html, features a downloadable recording that provides information regarding pandemic preparedness.